A massive game brings the curtain down on Round 21 of the NRL season, as the suddenly relevant Sea Eagles head to Allianz Stadium to take on the Bulldogs. With the 95’ Grand Finalists set to re-live the massive clash 30 years ago at this site, there is plenty on the line for both teams. The Dogs are looking to keep pace with the Raiders in the hunt for the Minor Premiership, whilst the Sea Eagles battle it out with six other teams for the final four spots in the top 8. Huge game.
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Bulldogs vs Sea Eagles Prediction & Tips: 2025 NRL Round 21
Doggies Minor Premiership Chances on Life Support
The Bulldogs rusty form continued last week, as they needed a try at the death to sneak by the Dragons, eventually winning 20-18. It continued on from a worrying month for the Bulldogs, with losses to the Panthers and Broncos, evened out by small wins over the Cowboys and Dragons. The Bulldogs probably thought they had the game last week under control, leading 16-6 at the half, but the Dragons came out breathing fire in the second half, taking the lead with two quick tries to Moses Suli and Sione Finau, pushing the score to 18-16 Dragons. A brave cutout pass from Lachlan Galvin at the death sent Jethro Rinakama over in the corner, allowing the Bulldogs to win and stay firmly entrenched in the Minor Premiership discussion. Jacob Kiraz was in everything, running for 205 metres, scoring a try, and busting 7 tackles, whilst Stephen Crichton looked back to his best, terrorising the Dragons’ left edge all game. They need more across the park this week, as they take on a Sea Eagles team that has started ascending at the right time of the year.
Sea Eagles Surging Towards Top 8
The Sea Eagles enter this massive clash off three straight wins, the most impressive of which was their road win last week against the Storm. It’s never easy to travel to Melbourne, but the Sea Eagles were always in this game, leading 16-6 at the break. They maintained that lead until the 64th minute, before Xavier Coates scored two tries in an eight-minute period, to level the scoring at 16-apiece. A late penalty goal from Reuben Garrick steered the Sea Eagles home, winning 18-16 on the road, and putting the Sea Eagles right back into the finals’ picture.
Tolutau Koula was huge for Manly, scoring a try, breaking the line twice, busting four tackles, and running for 173 metres, whilst Luke Brooks was also really good for the road side, setting up two-line break and try combos. There is doubt over Brooks this week, in what could be a massive blow for the Sea Eagles. However, if Brooks plays the Sea Eagles can pull off a second massive upset in a fortnight.
Bulldogs vs Sea Eagles Recent History
The Sea Eagles have absolutely dominated this matchup of late, winning 11 of the past 12 games between the teams, with their only loss being a 1-point loss in round 25, 2022.
They have not met yet this season, however they did meet twice last year. First, the teams met in round 26 at Accor Stadium, where the Bulldogs closed 3.5-point home favourites, with the total closing 49.5. Despite the Bulldogs outgaining the Sea Eagles by 200 metres, the Sea Eagles were far more clinical, easily accounting for the Bulldogs on the road, 34-22.
Two weeks later, the teams met again, this time in week 1 of the NRL finals, at the same venue. This time, the Sea Eagles closed 1.5-point favourites, with a total of 44.5. This was a big shift from the game two weeks prior, but the market was spot on, as the Sea Eagles snuck into the second week of the finals, winning 24-22. The Bulldogs looked like they would get their revenge, leading 22-12 with 25 minutes left, but it was the Sea Eagles who came home the strongest, in a game that would still hurt the Bulldogs after their huge regular season last year.
When it’s This Tight, Bet the Extreme Outcome
The Doggies were listed as 5.5-point favourites on the look ahead, however after the Sea Eagles got the better of the Storm last week, they re-opened just 3.5-point underdogs. Punters have bet back on this move, with the Bulldogs now -4.5 at some books, with the Sea Eagles heavily juiced, so the number is more like Bulldogs -4. I make the Bulldogs exactly a 4-point favourite, so I don’t see any real value in the number here. I would lean towards the Sea Eagles covering; however, it won’t be a best bet for now. The Sea Eagles are 4-2 at covering the spread as underdogs, whilst the Bulldogs are 7-8 as favourites.
The total opened 43.5 and hasn’t moved. I would make a fair total lower than this, around 41.5, and would heavily lean towards the under in this game. The Sea Eagles are 5-12 to the under this season, whilst the Bulldogs are 6-11. Both these teams play lower scoring games than the market has been anticipating all year, however on a lovely Sunday afternoon, I don’t like to bet unders.
So, a tough matchup to bet on, and when it’s a tough game to bet on, I like to look at the more extreme outcome. I’m not convinced at all by the Bulldogs form right now and have a feeling the Sea Eagles could make an even bigger statement than last week’s win over the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs have the feeling of being another year away from really pushing for a Premiership, and their season is slowly going sideways. The Sea Eagles have proven this season that they can put teams to the sword, with their only victory this season not by a margin of 13+ happening last week against the Storm. Let’s back a big Sea Eagles win this week.
Sea Eagles (13+)
$6.00 (1 Unit)
Bulldogs vs Sea Eagles Player Prop Bet: Saab to Score his 10th
Our Best Prop Bet: Saab 1+ Tru
Jason Saab has proven himself a terrific finisher, and I like him at plus money this week to get across the line. The Bulldogs right edge is the weaker edge defensively, despite Stephen Crichton playing there. Back Saab in here against Enari Tuala, and score his 10th try of the season.
Jason Saab (1+ try)
$2.30
Same Game Multi: Bulldogs vs Sea Eagles
Leg 1: Sea Eagles ML – See Best Bet, the moneyline seems a bit safer here.
Leg 2: J Saab (1+ try) – See Best Prop Bet.
Leg 3: J Kiraz (1+ try) – Kiraz has shown himself hard to stop on the try line, and with this expected to be a tough contest, it will take the Bulldogs shifting and using their big winger to score here.
Bulldogs vs Sea Eagles Better Odds & Match Info
Location: Allianz Stadium - Sydney
Weather: Sunny, 17 degrees
Odds: Bulldogs ($1.62) vs Sea Eagles ($2.30)
Where to Watch Bulldogs vs Sea Eagles
Watch the Bulldogs vs Sea Eagles match on Channel 9, as well as live and ad free on Kayo Sports.
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